(from KSL.com)
The Utah's governors race heated up this week when religion was inserted into education policy. (It was just a matter of time for Utah). Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon proposed a number of education reforms. One that I absolutely agree with: adding additional math and science requirements for high school graduation. In our vastly changing world, these skills (along with excellent writing) are vital for success in the job market. A highly educated workforce is key not only for personal income, but also the state's economy as a whole. Sadly I think our high school graduates are given the wrong idea when the minimum requirement for graduation is 9th grade Geometry. Another worrisome statistic is that the average math ACT score for the entering class at Weber State University is 20.9 and at the University of Utah it is 23.4. Remember it takes a math score of 23 to be exempted from remedial mathematics. (Taking classes on the same level as beginning high school algebra).
Governor Herbert's response? We can't strengthen our graduation requirements because we would have to
get rid of seminary. Really?! I am sorry governor but during my senior year, most of my class were taking Principles of Underwater Basket-weaving (not really, but classes from the same tier). I wonder if the Governor is truly worried about the religious education of high schoolers (he is the governor, not the state bishop) or about inserting religion in order to win reelection. Don't get me wrong, I love seminary, but we need to move ahead in pubic education or risk falling behind.
The governor continues, accusing his challenger of not caring about public education because he sends his children to a private Catholic school. Wait a second, wasn't the governor taking it upon himself to defend religious instruction? I don't know....I gave up trying to understand. It is an election year, of course.
